All projects falling under the "Buy IDDM" (indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured) category received the acceptance of need (AoN), the first step in the protracted procurement process, from the Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council (DAC).
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While some of these projects are still in the design and development phase, others will eventually need to be approved by the cabinet committee on security, which is overseen by the prime minister, due to their astronomical prices.
The largest proposal approved was for 60 "utility helicopters-marine" being constructed by Hindustan Aeronautics, costing around Rs 32,000 crore. These helicopters will feature foldable rotors and be in the 5.5-tonne class like operating advanced light helicopters (ALHs).
The DAC also approved the Coast Guard's purchase of nine ALH Mark-III choppers for Rs 3,800 crore. Another significant purchase was the 225 BrahMos long range missiles for frontline destroyers and frigates for Rs 20,000 crore.
These missiles travel at a speed of Mach 2.8, which is approximately three times the speed of sound. This month will also see the signing of a different, much smaller contract for the next-generation BrahMos maritime mobile coastal batteries.
With contracts worth more than Rs 38,000 crore already signed over the years, BrahMos has evolved into the "primary conventional (non-nuclear) strike weapon" for the armed forces, with a striking range now increased to 450 km from the original 290 km.
Another important finding was the DAC's approval of the Rs 8,526 crore purchase of 307 ATAGS, which the DRDO claims are the best in their class with a maximum strike range of 48 km.
This will be the first order for the domestic 155mm/52 calibre ATAGS, whose production partners are Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. Because the Army needs 1,580 of these weapons on a long-term basis, new orders will be placed.
